THE EURO

HOW reassuring that the masses of the great British public showed so much appreciation of the Queen Mother's devotion to her beloved Britain and her unwavering belief in its people.

I ask any true British person not to be swayed by propaganda, much of it unsustainable, about joining the euro single currency.

One of the most blatant distortions is continuous assertions that Britain will still be a nation state able to have a major voice in Europe. We now have two votes out of a total of 15 in Europe. The power to veto has been replaced by majority voting.

Contrary to being a nation state, European leaders still constantly state that Europe will be run by central government controlling regions in all countries, thus rendering our democratic well-proven parliament powerless, politically and economically.

As the Queen Mother did her duty to Britain, let British people do their duty and stand up for British independence and freedom. Say no to the euro. - J Heslop, Gainford.

ROYAL FAMILY

I AM really getting sick and fed up with the eternal argument about the monarchy costing us money as Muriel Green (HAS, Apr 12) intimated.

I would be really interested if Muriel and all those with similar concerns could tell me just exactly how the monarchy costs us money.

Have they never heard of the Crown Estates? You know, those huge parcels of land and property, including much of Central London, that HM The Queen actually owns? The land that she signed over to the Treasury on her accession in exchange for the Civil List. The land and property that actually brings in 14 times the amount that goes out on the Civil List?

If you care to think about it, Muriel, who is paying who? The Queen actually pays us to be Queen not the other way around. I'm not surprised people aren't aware of these plain and simple facts because the press aren't interested in telling us and our schools aren't interested in telling our children. - Anita Atkinson, Fir Tree, Crook.

TRAFFIC LIGHTS

IF you are a regular reader of The Northern Echo you may remember a couple of years ago when Catterick was surrounded by three-eyed creatures.

They stayed for some time, but did not attack anyone and they left as quickly as they had come.

Well they are back, and have completely surrounded the Garrison. There is no escape from them. Even if you take to the back roads, you will be stopped by one.

Don't worry too much as they have not attacked anyone but, if you come across one and it's eyes are red, then stop your vehicle as they don't like you to pass them at this moment.

If you wait for a while, you will see their eyes go to amber and green. It is safe to move then if the coast is clear, but be careful and look out for other road users. We have no idea how long they will stay this time but let's hope it won't be long.

If you come across one, don't lose your temper as they don't care. And if you can't remember what they were called, it was temporary traffic lights. - T Amos, Colburn.

LABOUR PARTY

IN 1997, Labour was handed what was regarded as a first-rate vibrant economy, free from the militants who nearly collapsed the nation in the 1970s.

However, the forthcoming Budget could follow in the steps of the last five years, with little to show for it.

Increase fuel prices by 40 per cent, increase council tax by over 45 per cent, raise stamp duty four times then fudge it, remove Miras completely, remove married man's tax for a couple of years and then return it under the children's tax credit. Tax us via spiralling insurance levels. Put up prescription charges four times. Give away £4bn to the continental economy each year by over-taxing fags and booze. Severely restrict company car ownership by taxation. Rip off the telecoms industry by a few billion via windfall taxation.

Don't mention our savings/pensions or the fact we now need to carry on working until we reach 75.

MPs and councillors even afforded themselves big pay rises, while ours are frozen.

Thanks, for nothing. - Jim Tague, Bishop Auckland.

ACTION RESEARCH

I AM writing on behalf of Britain's most loveable bear, Paddington Bear.

He is holding a giant Bring Your Bear Party across the UK throughout the month of June.

Paddington wants everyone to bring their bear to work or school, have fun, and raise lots of money for his favourite cause - Action Research - one of Britain's leading medical charities.

The year 2002 is a very important one for Action Research, as it marks the charity's 50th anniversary - 50 years in which we have touched the lives of everyone in Britain.

Paddington has been ever so busy setting up his own telephone hotline. He would like your readers to ring the bear hotline number (01403) 327419 or go to www.actionresearch.co.uk to receive a special Bring Your Bear event fundraising pack.

So join me and Britain's most loveable bear - Paddington - in Action Research's nationwide Bring Your Bear event in June and help save the lives of babies and children across the UK. - Joe Cole, West Ham and England.